When people hear "franchise", they immediately picture a drive-through window and a fryer in the back. That narrow view hides one of the most accessible and profitable paths to business ownership today: non-food franchising.

We've been taught that entrepreneurship means starting from scratch: writing business plans, building systems, and hoping your idea sticks.

Franchising flips that equation. You're not reinventing the wheel; you're stepping into a proven system with training, marketing, and infrastructure already built. The best part?

You can own a business that runs without you being chained to it.

The real secret is that most high-income professionals, doctors, executives, and even W-2 employees can buy or build semi-passive franchises that generate cash flow, deliver powerful tax advantages, and diversify their wealth far beyond the stock market.

And yet, most never explore it because they still think of "fast food."

Why is buying a franchise a better path into business ownership? What are the lesser-known benefits you get from this model?

In this episode, I sit down with Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of Non-Food Franchising. We unpack the world of franchises that don't involve burgers or coffee cups. We talk about how to identify the right concept, fund your investment, and leverage the new tax rules that make owning a franchise smarter than ever.

Things You'll Learn In This Episode

-The shortcut to entrepreneurship Most people think you need to invent something new to build wealth. What if the fastest path is owning a system that's already proven to work?

-Semi-passive ownership, real results Some franchises thrive even when the owner isn't there daily. How do they do it, and what separates a true "executive model" from wishful thinking?

-The hidden tax advantage of business ownership Business owners play by a completely different tax rulebook. How can franchising open those same doors for people still working a W-2 job?

-The non-food franchise boom From home services to senior care, boring is the new profitable. Why are the most recession-resistant franchises the ones no one talks about?

Guest Bio

Jon Ostenson is a Top 1% Franchise Consultant; 2 x Inc 5000 Founder; author of 'Non-Food Franchising', Forbes Contributor, and CEO of FranBridge Consulting. Specializing in the area of non-food franchising, he draws on his experience as both the president of an Inc. 500 franchise system and as a multi-brand franchisee in serving his consulting clients who are looking to explore business ownership opportunities. Jon helps clients understand all aspects of non-food franchising in the process of introducing them to opportunities from the over 600 high-growth brands that he represents. Before FranBridge, Jon was the President of ShelfGenie, a national franchise system with 200 locations. To learn more and get a free copy of his book 'Non-Food Franchising', go to http://franbridgeconsulting.com/.

About Your Host

From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America's #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.

His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.

Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.

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